Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Nan M. Brewster was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on June 25, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Brewster speaks at length about her Montgomery and Gill family background, and talks about the history of the J.K. Gill Company. She discusses her early life in Portland, including her recreational activities and her social life. She talks about her education, about her career as a columnist and illustrator for Portland newspapers, and about her volunteer work for health organizations. She also talks about her marriage to William L. Brewster. She closes the interview by describing vacations at Seaview, Oregon.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Nan M. Brewster was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on June 25, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Brewster speaks at length about her Montgomery and Gill family background, and talks about the history of the J.K. Gill Company. She discusses her early life in Portland, including her recreational activities and her social life. She talks about her education, about her career as a columnist and illustrator for Portland newspapers, and about her volunteer work for health organizations. She also talks about her marriage to William L. Brewster. She closes the interview by describing vacations at Seaview, Oregon.

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Richard G. Montgomery was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on May 16, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Montgomery discusses his Montgomery and Gill family background and talks about the history of J. K. Gill Company. He talks about studying medicine at the University of California at Berkeley and at the University of Oregon Medical School, describes his involvement in the J. K. Gill Company, and discusses his career in advertising. He closes the interview by talking about the books he wrote.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Richard G. Montgomery was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on May 16, 1976, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Montgomery discusses his Montgomery and Gill family background and talks about the history of J. K. Gill Company. He talks about studying medicine at the University of California at Berkeley and at the University of Oregon Medical School, describes his involvement in the J. K. Gill Company, and discusses his career in advertising. He closes the interview by talking about the books he wrote.

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Stuart R. Kerr was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on February 14, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Kerr discusses his family background and early life in Portland. He speaks at length about the history of his family's fruit conservation business, Kerr Fruit Concentrates, Inc. He talks about his father's role in the business, about running the business after 1941, and about competition in the wholesale grocery industry. He also discusses his involvement with the Mazamas, a mountaineering organization; childhood vacations with his family; and traveling after college.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Stuart R. Kerr was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on February 14, 1977, as part of the oral history program at the society's research library.

In this interview, Kerr discusses his family background and early life in Portland. He speaks at length about the history of his family's fruit conservation business, Kerr Fruit Concentrates, Inc. He talks about his father's role in the business, about running the business after 1941, and about competition in the wholesale grocery industry. He also discusses his involvement with the Mazamas, a mountaineering organization; childhood vacations with his family; and traveling after college.

Tape 1, Side 1. This radio interview with Homer T. Shaver was conducted by Doug Porter on August 14, 1963, for the Junior Chamber of Commerce evening program, "Mr. Jaycee Report." The interview aired on Portland radio station KWJJ.

In this interview, Shaver discusses his tug and barge business, the Shaver Transportation Company, which operated on the Willamette and Columbia rivers. He talks about the history of the company, about the company's past and present competitors, and about how the industry has changed over the 20th century. He discusses cargo his barges carry, describes the operations of his company, and discusses the future of the Portland harbor.

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Homer T. Shaver was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Shaver Transportation Company in Portland, Oregon, on September 8, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Shaver speaks at length about his family background and describes the founding of the Shaver Transportation Company. He talks about changes he made to the company when he became assistant manager in 1921. He discusses the company's competitors and talks about how the Depression affected the business. He also describes his experiences working on the construction of a water pipeline in Alaska during the summer of 1909. He closes the interview by talking about his accomplishments.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Homer T. Shaver was conducted by Charles Digregorio at the Shaver Transportation Company in Portland, Oregon, on September 8, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Shaver speaks at length about his family background and describes the founding of the Shaver Transportation Company. He talks about changes he made to the company when he became assistant manager in 1921. He discusses the company's competitors and talks about how the Depression affected the business. He also describes his experiences working on the construction of a water pipeline in Alaska during the summer of 1909. He closes the interview by talking about his accomplishments.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Stan G. Terry was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Portland Motor Motel in Portland, Oregon, on May 18, 1982, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody. Jack Pement of the Oregon Journal newspaper was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Terry describes his childhood supporting himself by selling newspapers in Sacramento, California. He describes how he developed a gambling operation involving vending machines in Portland, and discusses his work as a pinball machine operator. He speaks about Portland Mayor Dorothy McCullough Lee's crackdown on all forms of gambling and how that affected his business. He compares Lee's administration to other 1950s mayors, talks about his association with Portland crime boss Jim Elkins, and discusses how he joined the Teamsters Union in order to continue his pinball operation. He shares his experience of testifying before the U.S. Senate during the 1957 McClellan committee hearings on racketeering and organized crime, and discusses Portland's bad reputation in the aftermath of those hearings. He then talks about apartment and office buildings that he owned in Portland, and about owning and operating the Portland Meadows Golf Course. He speaks about several lawsuits he brought against the city of Portland, and about his campaigns for various political offices, including Oregon governor and Portland mayor. He also talks about running a garbage collection business. He closes the interview by talking about other pinball operators in Portland and by discussing gambling on Las Vegas slot machines.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Evelyn Gibson was conducted by Roberta Watts on November 17, 1977. In this interview, Gibson discusses her early job designing window displays for fashion boutiques and studying to become a singer. She talks about moving to Portland in 1929 and working at department stores, including the Charles F. Berg Company, Meier and Frank, and Nordstrom. She then discusses opening her own boutique in downtown Portland, Evelyn Gibson Gowns. She closes the interview by talking about going on buying trips to New York and about some of her employees.

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Stan G. Terry was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Portland Motor Motel in Portland, Oregon, on May 18, 1982, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody. Jack Pement of the Oregon Journal newspaper was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Terry describes his childhood supporting himself by selling newspapers in Sacramento, California. He describes how he developed a gambling operation involving vending machines in Portland, and discusses his work as a pinball machine operator. He speaks about Portland Mayor Dorothy McCullough Lee's crackdown on all forms of gambling and how that affected his business. He compares Lee's administration to other 1950s mayors, talks about his association with Portland crime boss Jim Elkins, and discusses how he joined the Teamsters Union in order to continue his pinball operation. He shares his experience of testifying before the U.S. Senate during the 1957 McClellan committee hearings on racketeering and organized crime, and discusses Portland's bad reputation in the aftermath of those hearings. He then talks about apartment and office buildings that he owned in Portland, and about owning and operating the Portland Meadows Golf Course. He speaks about several lawsuits he brought against the city of Portland, and about his campaigns for various political offices, including Oregon governor and Portland mayor. He also talks about running a garbage collection business. He closes the interview by talking about other pinball operators in Portland and by discussing gambling on Las Vegas slot machines.

Tape 2, Side 2. This oral history interview with Stan G. Terry was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Portland Motor Motel in Portland, Oregon, on May 18, 1982, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody. Jack Pement of the Oregon Journal newspaper was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Terry describes his childhood supporting himself by selling newspapers in Sacramento, California. He describes how he developed a gambling operation involving vending machines in Portland, and discusses his work as a pinball machine operator. He speaks about Portland Mayor Dorothy McCullough Lee's crackdown on all forms of gambling and how that affected his business. He compares Lee's administration to other 1950s mayors, talks about his association with Portland crime boss Jim Elkins, and discusses how he joined the Teamsters Union in order to continue his pinball operation. He shares his experience of testifying before the U.S. Senate during the 1957 McClellan committee hearings on racketeering and organized crime, and discusses Portland's bad reputation in the aftermath of those hearings. He then talks about apartment and office buildings that he owned in Portland, and about owning and operating the Portland Meadows Golf Course. He speaks about several lawsuits he brought against the city of Portland, and about his campaigns for various political offices, including Oregon governor and Portland mayor. He also talks about running a garbage collection business. He closes the interview by talking about other pinball operators in Portland and by discussing gambling on Las Vegas slot machines.

Tape 2, Side 1. This oral history interview with Stan G. Terry was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Portland Motor Motel in Portland, Oregon, on May 18, 1982, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody. Jack Pement of the Oregon Journal newspaper was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Terry describes his childhood supporting himself by selling newspapers in Sacramento, California. He describes how he developed a gambling operation involving vending machines in Portland, and discusses his work as a pinball machine operator. He speaks about Portland Mayor Dorothy McCullough Lee's crackdown on all forms of gambling and how that affected his business. He compares Lee's administration to other 1950s mayors, talks about his association with Portland crime boss Jim Elkins, and discusses how he joined the Teamsters Union in order to continue his pinball operation. He shares his experience of testifying before the U.S. Senate during the 1957 McClellan committee hearings on racketeering and organized crime, and discusses Portland's bad reputation in the aftermath of those hearings. He then talks about apartment and office buildings that he owned in Portland, and about owning and operating the Portland Meadows Golf Course. He speaks about several lawsuits he brought against the city of Portland, and about his campaigns for various political offices, including Oregon governor and Portland mayor. He also talks about running a garbage collection business. He closes the interview by talking about other pinball operators in Portland and by discussing gambling on Las Vegas slot machines.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Stan G. Terry was conducted by Linda S. Dodds at the Portland Motor Motel in Portland, Oregon, on May 18, 1982, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program. At the time of the interview, Dodds' name was Linda S. Brody. Jack Pement of the Oregon Journal newspaper was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Terry describes his childhood supporting himself by selling newspapers in Sacramento, California. He describes how he developed a gambling operation involving vending machines in Portland, and discusses his work as a pinball machine operator. He speaks about Portland Mayor Dorothy McCullough Lee's crackdown on all forms of gambling and how that affected his business. He compares Lee's administration to other 1950s mayors, talks about his association with Portland crime boss Jim Elkins, and discusses how he joined the Teamsters Union in order to continue his pinball operation. He shares his experience of testifying before the U.S. Senate during the 1957 McClellan committee hearings on racketeering and organized crime, and discusses Portland's bad reputation in the aftermath of those hearings. He then talks about apartment and office buildings that he owned in Portland, and about owning and operating the Portland Meadows Golf Course. He speaks about several lawsuits he brought against the city of Portland, and about his campaigns for various political offices, including Oregon governor and Portland mayor. He also talks about running a garbage collection business. He closes the interview by talking about other pinball operators in Portland and by discussing gambling on Las Vegas slot machines.

Tape 1, Side 2. This oral history interview with Forrest T. Berg was conducted by Charles Digregorio on November 6, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Berg discusses his family background and early life in the San Francisco Bay Area, including his experiences working in department stores in San Francisco. He talks about moving to Portland, Oregon, in the 1920s to work for his father's clothing store, the Charles F. Berg Company. He also briefly talks about the career of his half-sister, Caroline Berg. He describes building the Chumley clothing line for women, talks about marketing the Charles F. Berg clothing store, and discusses how the clothing retail industry changed over the 20th century. He talks about his involvement with several civic organizations, including the Portland Chamber of Commerce and the Boys Club of America. He closes the interview by discussing the construction of the Timberline Lodge.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with Forrest T. Berg was conducted by Charles Digregorio on November 6, 1978, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Berg discusses his family background and early life in the San Francisco Bay Area, including his experiences working in department stores in San Francisco. He talks about moving to Portland, Oregon, in the 1920s to work for his father's clothing store, the Charles F. Berg Company. He also briefly talks about the career of his half-sister, Caroline Berg. He describes building the Chumley clothing line for women, talks about marketing the Charles F. Berg clothing store, and discusses how the clothing retail industry changed over the 20th century. He talks about his involvement with several civic organizations, including the Portland Chamber of Commerce and the Boys Club of America. He closes the interview by discussing the construction of the Timberline Lodge.

Tape 2, Side 2. In the second interview session, conducted on May 30, 1980, Benz speaks further about Benz Spring, and continues to discuss the history of the Benz Spring Company. He talks about the company's products, including logging trailer springs and leaf springs; speaks again about a spring he donated to the Oregon Historical Society; and describes the power sources the company used for its manufacturing processes. He then speaks further about his family background and talks about his service in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He closes the interview by discussing the growth of the Benz Spring Company.

Tape 2, Side 1. In the second interview session, conducted on May 30, 1980, Benz speaks further about Benz Spring, and continues to discuss the history of the Benz Spring Company. He talks about the company's products, including logging trailer springs and leaf springs; speaks again about a spring he donated to the Oregon Historical Society; and describes the power sources the company used for its manufacturing processes. He then speaks further about his family background and talks about his service in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He closes the interview by discussing the growth of the Benz Spring Company.

Tape 1, Side 2. In the first interview session, conducted on February 27, 1980, Benz describes how Benz Spring got its name and gives directions to the spring. He speaks about the history of his family's spring-manufacturing company, the Benz Spring Company. He talks about the uses for the company's springs, about the manufacturing process, and about the company's other products and patents. He also talks about a spring he donated to the Oregon Historical Society. He then discusses his family background. He talks about the Benz Spring Company's competition with the Laher Company, which also manufactured springs.

Tape 1, Side 1. In the first interview session, conducted on February 27, 1980, Benz describes how Benz Spring got its name and gives directions to the spring. He speaks about the history of his family's spring-manufacturing company, the Benz Spring Company. He talks about the uses for the company's springs, about the manufacturing process, and about the company's other products and patents. He also talks about a spring he donated to the Oregon Historical Society. He then discusses his family background. He talks about the Benz Spring Company's competition with the Laher Company, which also manufactured springs.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with David E. Becker was conducted by Charles Digregorio on August 11, 1976, as part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library's oral history program.

In this interview, Becker discusses his family background, and particularly talks about the life and career of his father, Ray F. Becker. He discusses the family steel fabrication business, the Ray F. Becker Company, and talks about how the business changed over the 20th century.

Session 1. This oral history interview with Steve Suss was conducted by Danita Doun and Lachelle Ogden on February 15, 2011, as part of their Capstone course at Portland State University, under instructor Pat Young. Doun and Ogden conducted the interview for the Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest, which collects the histories of organizations and individuals active in lesbian and gay issues in the Portland area and throughout the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the audio, the collection includes a transcript of the interview and photographs of Suss. In the interview, Suss discusses his ownership of Embers, a gay bar in Portland, Oregon. He also talks about serving on the board for Esther's Pantry, which provides food and clothing for people with AIDS. He discusses his stance on marriage equality; talks about owning a bar and steam bath in Seattle, Washington, but leaving due to city government corruption; and talks about his reasons for relocating to Portland and some of his early business ventures. He discusses the early years of owning Embers, beginning in 1971, including his attempt to expand its original location, and moving to the location on Broadway in 1981. He also talks about his relationship with his partner and his family. He closes the interview by talking about a lawsuit against the Oregon Liquor Control Commission that he was involved in.

Transcript. This oral history interview with Steve Suss was conducted by Danita Doun and Lachelle Ogden on February 15, 2011, as part of their Capstone course at Portland State University, under instructor Pat Young. Doun and Ogden conducted the interview for the Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest, which collects the histories of organizations and individuals active in lesbian and gay issues in the Portland area and throughout the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the audio, the collection includes a transcript of the interview and photographs of Suss. In the interview, Suss discusses his ownership of Embers, a gay bar in Portland, Oregon. He also talks about serving on the board for Esther's Pantry, which provides food and clothing for people with AIDS. He discusses his stance on marriage equality; talks about owning a bar and steam bath in Seattle, Washington, but leaving due to city government corruption; and talks about his reasons for relocating to Portland and some of his early business ventures. He discusses the early years of owning Embers, beginning in 1971, including his attempt to expand its original location, and moving to the location on Broadway in 1981. He also talks about his relationship with his partner and his family. He closes the interview by talking about a lawsuit against the Oregon Liquor Control Commission that he was involved in.

Tape 2, Side 2. This oral history interview with John Helmer was conducted by Jim Strassmaier at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on August 27, 1994. The interview was one of a series of brief oral histories created to accompany the Oregon Historical Society's World War II exhibit that same year. In this interview, Helmer discusses his family background, including his parents' experiences as immigrants from Sweden and the origins of his family name. He talks about his early life in the Albina and Overlook neighborhoods of Portland, Oregon, including working at his father's store, John Helmer Haberdasher; his education; and his involvement in sports. He talks briefly about working in a sawmill after high school. Helmer then speaks at length about his service as a bomber pilot in the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He describes his training, flying missions out of Okinawa, Japan, and his experience as part of the occupation of Japan. He talks about returning to Portland after his discharge in 1946, his marriage to Beverly Carroll in 1948, and taking a trip to Europe in 1952. He also discusses his family's political beliefs. He talks about purchasing John Helmer Haberdasher in 1956, his attempts to expand the business, and how the recession of the 1980s affected the store. He discusses the difference between a large department store and a small family-run business. He talks about his children, their families, and their careers. He also describes his and Beverly Helmer's retirement activities. He closes the interview by reflecting on how his experiences in World War II affected him. Photographs of John Helmer, Jr., are included with the interview. They were taken by Jim Strassmaier at the time of the interview, both inside and outside the John Helmer Haberdasher store in Portland.

Tape 1, Side 1. This oral history interview with John Helmer was conducted by Jim Strassmaier at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on August 27, 1994. The interview was one of a series of brief oral histories created to accompany the Oregon Historical Society's World War II exhibit that same year. In this interview, Helmer discusses his family background, including his parents' experiences as immigrants from Sweden and the origins of his family name. He talks about his early life in the Albina and Overlook neighborhoods of Portland, Oregon, including working at his father's store, John Helmer Haberdasher; his education; and his involvement in sports. He talks briefly about working in a sawmill after high school. Helmer then speaks at length about his service as a bomber pilot in the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He describes his training, flying missions out of Okinawa, Japan, and his experience as part of the occupation of Japan. He talks about returning to Portland after his discharge in 1946, his marriage to Beverly Carroll in 1948, and taking a trip to Europe in 1952. He also discusses his family's political beliefs. He talks about purchasing John Helmer Haberdasher in 1956, his attempts to expand the business, and how the recession of the 1980s affected the store. He discusses the difference between a large department store and a small family-run business. He talks about his children, their families, and their careers. He also describes his and Beverly Helmer's retirement activities. He closes the interview by reflecting on how his experiences in World War II affected him. Photographs of John Helmer, Jr., are included with the interview. They were taken by Jim Strassmaier at the time of the interview, both inside and outside the John Helmer Haberdasher store in Portland.

Tape 2, Side 1. This oral history interview with John Helmer was conducted by Jim Strassmaier at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, Oregon, on August 27, 1994. The interview was one of a series of brief oral histories created to accompany the Oregon Historical Society's World War II exhibit that same year. In this interview, Helmer discusses his family background, including his parents' experiences as immigrants from Sweden and the origins of his family name. He talks about his early life in the Albina and Overlook neighborhoods of Portland, Oregon, including working at his father's store, John Helmer Haberdasher; his education; and his involvement in sports. He talks briefly about working in a sawmill after high school. Helmer then speaks at length about his service as a bomber pilot in the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He describes his training, flying missions out of Okinawa, Japan, and his experience as part of the occupation of Japan. He talks about returning to Portland after his discharge in 1946, his marriage to Beverly Carroll in 1948, and taking a trip to Europe in 1952. He also discusses his family's political beliefs. He talks about purchasing John Helmer Haberdasher in 1956, his attempts to expand the business, and how the recession of the 1980s affected the store. He discusses the difference between a large department store and a small family-run business. He talks about his children, their families, and their careers. He also describes his and Beverly Helmer's retirement activities. He closes the interview by reflecting on how his experiences in World War II affected him. Photographs of John Helmer, Jr., are included with the interview. They were taken by Jim Strassmaier at the time of the interview, both inside and outside the John Helmer Haberdasher store in Portland.

Color photograph. John Helmer Jr. photographed at the time of the interview.